Robert Searle
Bio
"Robert Searle is an autodidact, and independent researcher. He is the originator of two major paradigms known as Multi-Dimensional Science, and Transfinancial Economics. He is also developing the Eleutherian Theory,the Universal Debating Project, and a pioneer of what maybe termed Improvised Voice Instrumental Music,and Improvised Musical Whistling.
He was born on April 30th 1961 at Upton Hospital, Slough in England. His family were middle-class. His father who lives in Selsey is a structural/civil engineer who has been involved in a number of major jobs including those at Hampton Court, and St. Georges School, Windsor.
His mother was of Huguenot ancestry. She was a part-time antique dealer,and a registered breeder of burmese cats. After she died in Oxford in 2005 his father (in his late seventies) re-married in 2008 to a former noted Russian ballet dancer by the name of Irina Ishmetova. She claims to have healing powers, and emanates from a wealthy background.
Searle was educated at the Royal Free, and at a private school in Windsor called the Tutorials. His main interests then were art, and history. He had a gift for drawing (especially "instant" portraiture), and painting. As a teenage he acted as an unofficial guide to the Curfew Tower at Windsor Castle (circa 1974-76). He also had the privilege of entering the large “secret” tunnel which the public were not allowed to see.
He was a keen photographer, and loved visiting other historical places in the UK, and abroad. Because of his interest in history he had a fascination for archaeology, and undertook practical work at the excavation site in Wraysbury near Windsor.He even wrote an article for Young Rescue about the dig at old Windsor, and the surrounding area in 1975 drawing his data from the Windsor Guildhall.
After attending the Tutorials he went onto College where he was studying french, biology,and history. He was intending to study archaeology at the University of London but decided not to.After he left College he took jobs as a clerical worker notably for Sony, and the Department of Health, and Social Security. He also later became a self-employed horticulturist (1980-96) working in the "stockbroker belt" of places like Gerrards Cross, Stoke Poges, Farnham Common,Iver, and elsewhere . One of his clients who also became a great friend was Sir Michael Shersby, former MP for Uxbridge, who died suddenly, just after Tony Blair came to power in 1997.
Robert Searle had relatives on his fathers side who were the world experts on orchids.They were Brian, and Wilma Rittershausen who were a brother, and sister "team". Searle, and they were a part of the Austrian Von Rittershausen family. The word Rittershausen means the House of the Knight, and has a coat of arms with a latin motto meaning Iron Will. Its history can be traced a long way back, and consisted of a line of powerful barons who played an important role in the Hapsburg Empire. In the early part of the 20th Century though due to the rise of the Nazis, the Rittershausens fled to England, and notably stayed in London.
Apart from being a horticulturist Robert Searle has also been a professional fundraiser (1996-2005). This involved the direct selling of charity tickets for two childrens charities, notably the Lee Sykes Centre in Sunderland before it closed down. However,he learned to hate this kind of work. He believes that there is far better way of helping charitable non-government organizations, or NGOs which is discussed in his“working paper” on Transfinancial Economics. This can be found as an entry in the P2P Foundation website which was started by Michel Bauwens who is a noted pioneer, and populariser of the importance of computers in the global networking of people, and ideas.
A Seeker After Truth.
To return to when he was a child, Searle had a number of psychic experiences which made him re-think his life, and purpose. In August 1977 serious intellectual interest was ignited (along with a “Vision” of the "Spiritual Sun") by a book entitled The Unknown Power by Guy Lyon Playfair. In around 1980, he became a member of the Society for Psychical Research, which was the earliest "scientific" society of its kind (1882).
He has been connected with other “groups.” These are of a far less scientific value such as the Theosophical Society, the Arcane School. and the College of Psychic Studies. At the age of 16, and 17 he wrote a projected book on the paranormal plus a novel concerned with post mortem existence.Unfortunately, they did not go into print.The same occured with his paper in 1977 for the Galpin Society which was concerned with reviving ancient Etruscan Music. In it he used existing data (largely iconographical). He connected it up for the first time with the poetic incantations of Italian peasants who gave clear references to Etruscan (pre-roman) gods in a book (published in 1892)by Charles Godfrey Leland borrowed from the London Library.
As an adult though he published a number of articles on eastern esoteric subjects. Four appeared in a small but scholarly journal called The Pentacle which sadly folded. His work though has appeared in Yoga Today, and its successor Yoga, and Healing for which he also divised a few competitions. Some of his artwork was also published.Essentially, he has written on Indian Mysticism.
In the 21st century he has contributed largely seminal "essays" to the influential, and largely comprehensive Kheper website dealing with the esoteric. It is run by Alan Kazlev, a Jew living in Australia.
Besides his literary endeavours, Searle has met, and in certain cases interviewed a number of gurus visiting Britain. They included such people as Ma Yogashakti, Swami Chidananda Maharaj, Ravi Shankar, Mata Amritanandamayi, Shivabala Bala Yogi, S.A.A. Ramaiah, Kehar Singh, Mataji Nirmala Devi, and the like.
Transfinancial Economics (TFE) .
Since around the turn of the 20th century Robert Searle became very interested in economics, and especially how money plays its role in society. He came across monetary reform which believes in radical changes in the banking system.
In London, he became involved with meetings of the Global Justice Movement(GJM). It is not to be confused with a Canadian based group of the same name. The GJM in the UK is "headed up" by Peter Challen, and Rodney Shakespeare, a worldwide authority on Binary Economics. These "meetings" tended to be very small but informative. All the same the GJM did, and does attract a number of high calibre people such as a successful authoress, Ellen Brown, and a well-known American Senator, Dennis Kucinich.
Apart from this, Robert Searle used to attend the committee rooms at the Houses of Parliament where there were on occasion lectures on monetary reform. It was there that he met such people as James Robertson, and Stephen Zarlenga, the founder of the American Monetary Institute.
It was at such meetings, and talks that as a concerned citizen he was inspired to develop Transfinancial Economics, or TFE. Some of his feedback from critics about it came from the internet forum of the Global Justice Movement itself. Since August 2004 he contributed hundreds of posts to it not all ofcourse dealing with his paradigm.
Essentially, Transfinancial Economics, or TFE has been evolving on the internet from something which was relatively simplistic, and less informed to something which is more complex, and more informed. This has been a long process, and has involved a degree of intuitive awakening. However, it was discovered later on that it was very similiar to Social Credit which was founded by Clifford Douglas.
Anyway, TFE, itself believes that enough new unearned money can be created which would in time make the need for taxes, and/or indeed, fundraising in many cases unnecessary. If at all necessary inflation could be controlled directly, and electronically rather than by the indirect methods of raising interest rates, and taxation.
A futuristic, but realistic political philosophy may also be developed. It would largely be influenced by Technocracy set in the basic framework of open democracy, and universal human rights.
As for TFE, it is hoped that in a few years time a book possibly entitled Towards Super Economics, Financial Revolution, and Global Justice will be published.It should be said here that a paper was actually accepted by a scholarly journal of high standing. After signing copyright clearance forms though Searle had a dispute with the editor/publisher, and withdrew it. At the time of writing, it has been sent elsewhere. It has also attracted interest from some economists including Professor Prem Sikka, and the noted autodidact, Hazel Henderson.Finally, TFE was one of the key subjects presented at the scientific International Conference of Engineering, and Meta-Engineering in April 2010 which took place in the USA.
Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).
Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS (also referred to as the Multi-Dimensional Hypothesis) if true could (like TFE in economics) be seen as a major breakthrough in our understanding of psychic, and spiritual phenomena. It has also attracted some interest from a number of people including Elisabet Sahtouris, Stanley Krippner, Jean Houston, and Ron Pearson, the originator of Survival Physics.
MDS offers for the first time a methodology in which we can "objectively" understand how the non-physical spiritual, and the psychic could be proved (albeit indirectly in the main),and hence, how this could revolutionise physics, psychology, biology, psychiatry, and the like.Searle believes that ideas, and mathematics similiar to modern physics do have a huge relevance in the development of MDS even though some of the findings may be partly, or wholly ineffable.Moreover,he has suggested that some non-physical phenomena could be “accurately” described, and made “provable” by using symbolic type coding when it comes to mystical ascents into “higher worlds”. It is hoped that a book will result possibly entitled Towards Super Science; The New Psychic, and Spiritual Paradigm. This project will take longer than TFE. Those with an academic background in the sciences, and to some extent in the arts would be necessary to help forward the evolutionary development of this new “science.”. An Association for Multi-Dimensional Science (AMS) may be set up.
Searle is creating a worldwide directory/database of well-known, and more importantly little-known esoteric societies whose mystical, and psychic knowledge may prove invaluable for the theoretical dimension of MDS. This project when completed, and published will probably be the most comprehensive ever produced. Simple codes may be used to reduce the amount of information given per entry of this projected directory/database.
The Eleutherian Theory is a "spin off" from MDS. It offers a "new" esoteric philosophy concerned with "free will". He is also interested in the idea of the Universal Debating Project which is also very similiar to another evolving concept already present on the internet.
Musical Projects.
Apart from his two major projects of TFE, and MDS his other concern is Voice Instrumental Music.This is the use of the human voice as if it were a musical instrument. It is a huge subject with great potential not fully appreciated. There are many examples of it such as Tuva throat singing, the Jewish nigun, Beatboxing, the Hollywood Sound Effects Choir, and notably the A Cappella groups such as the Swingle Singers, the House Jacks, Vocal Sampling, et al. Searle hopes to undertake some pioneering contribution in this obscure area of music. He believes in the development of an avant garde theory, and practice refered to as Improvised Voice Instrumental Music.This involves the use of greater musical intelligence which can lead to the creation of impromptu, or on the spot performances of high quality music of various genres. This could be recorded. Thus, each “professional” improv concert of whatever musical style would produce new music spontaneously.
Besides Improvised Voice Instrumental Music, he is also interested in Improvised Musical Whistling.He has become well-known in his locality for the habit of whistling largely non-improvised pieces of mainly Medieval, and Renaissance Music as well ofcourse as improvised whistling.He has developed a "secret" following of people who insist that he should record his work.This may happen soon plus examples of Improvised, and Non-Improvised Voice Instrumental Music, and "normal" singing. Incidently, he has also demonstrated this ability in public in Windsor where it received much acclaim.
Furthermore, as indicated Searle is a lover of colourful, and interesting interpretations of Medieval, and Renaissance Music, or Early Music believing that it has great possibilities which are slowly being realized. As such, he has created the largest audio-visual internet collection of its kind. It is intended to essentially interest, and inspire amateurs, professional musicians, and composers. It is known simply as Searle8. Utilising the user name of "piedpiper" he has also contributed much material on the musician David Munrow(1942-1976)at an internet forum/tribute site dedicated to him, and his work.
Among other things he has been witness to "minor" historical events at Windsor notably the Great Fire at Windsor Castle in 1992. This received huge worldwide news coverage.
In 1993 he was initiated into Surat Shabd Yoga as taught by Radha Soami Satsang Beas. He also had two major spiritual awakenings from two gurus Dr. Sharma, and Sant Harjit Singh. Both traced their lineage to Baba Faqir Chand."
More Information
A. Relevant Links to the above Biodata.
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Transfinancial_Economics
http://p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
The following link is an essay from the kheper website in connection with the development of the Eleutherian Theory. A fuller, and more advanced presentation may appear on as entry on the p2pfoundation. The term Eleutherian Theory does not appear on the kheper site.
http://www.kheper.net/essays/A_Certain_Ethical_Problem_in_Esotericism.html
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Improvised_Voice_Instrumental_Music
I am connected with the Global Justice Movement. http://www.globaljusticemovement.net/ I have been a regular contributor to the Global Justice Movement discussion forum from around 2004-2011.
Contributions are also made notably on the p2pfoundation discussion when time, and energy are in supply https://lists.ourproject.org/pipermail/p2p-foundation/
Another project of some importance is as follows.. http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Universal_Debating_Project
As mentioned in my biodata I came across Charles Lelands work connected with the Etruscans which I originally found in the London Library as a teenager. It now appears on the internet. http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/err/err00.htm
A copy of my old 1975 article for Young Rescue appeared on the following site which published a letter from myself . In the second part of the article the word "Wellingford" should ofcourse read Wallingford! http://www.britarch.ac.uk/yac/YA147.html
The following are my present blogs.
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/
http://esotericotherworlds.blogspot.co.uk/
http://jewishmysticalrealms.blogspot.co.uk/
http://theindiangururealm.blogspot.co.uk/
http://buddhistdimensions.blogspot.co.uk/
http://thesufirealm.blogspot.co.uk/
http://paganreality.blogspot.co.uk/
http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/
http://gjmmovementcommunications.blogspot.co.uk/
http://wonderofgardens.blogspot.co.uk/
My Youtube Site maybe of interest. http://www.youtube.com/user/Searle8
A tribute site to David Munrow.
http://www.davidmunrow.org/index.htm
The posts on the discussion group concerned with the above link are by myself using the user name of piedpiper.
http://www.davidmunrow.org/forum/
And blog
http://earlymusiclegend.blogspot.co.uk/
My Facebook site. http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Robert-Searle/1793462140
The following is a listing of some articles on my blog (Thoughts, and Visions). These "articles" may require further editing when time, and interest prevail. Moreover, key ones have been reproduced onsite in Section B of this internet page.
1) Early Days
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/early-days.html
2)Meeting Gurus in Britain
3) Mental Illness, Psychic Self-Defence...and Danger!
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/mental-illness-psychic-self.html
6) An Esoteric Miscellany
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/i-present-here-what-may-be-termed.html
5)Encountering the Brahma Kumaris, and "Raja Yoga".
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/encountering-brahma-kumaris-and-raja.html
6)Birth Trauma
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/birth-trauma.html
7)David Harrington, and his book.
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/david-harrinton-and-his-book.html
8) The Anniversary of the Tempest
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/2011the-anniversary-of-tempest-by.html
9) The Pleasure of Deep, and Intelligent Films
10)Psychic Encounters of a Friend
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/psychic-encounters-of-friend.html
11) Anatomy of Thougts
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/anatomy-of-thoughts.html
12) More Light on Two Inner Awakenings
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/more-light-on-two-inner-awakenings.html
13) An Encounter with the Subud Brotherhood
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/encounter-with-subud-brotherhood.html
14)More Light on the Two Inner Awakenings.
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/more-light-on-two-inner-awakenings.html
15)The Two Inner Awakenings; A Personal Account
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/meeting-dr-sharma-in-london-1990.html (An onsite copy of the material of this link can be found on the Multi-Dimensional Science entry)
Two Kheper Articles.
16)Esoteric Secrecy
http://www.kheper.net/essays/Esoteric_Secrecy.html
17)Brief Introduction to Key Indian Esoteric Societies
http://www.kheper.net/topics/gurus/key_Indian_esoteric_societies.html
B. Articles Relevant to the above Biodata, and links.
I.The "Vision" of the "Spiritual Sun".
The following experience may be of interest....it is connection with a "Vision" of the "Spiritual Sun" back on August 12th 1977.
.... It was a timeless experience. It seemed to go on, and on, and yet at the same time (so to speak!) it seemed to be just a few minutes, or so.. Whether it can be exactly called a Vision, or "waking dream" is another matter. Let us assume that it is the former. It began when I was aware of darkness all around me. I was stumbling about until I suddenly opened a door, and lo, and behold I saw a spectacle which was most esoteric in significance.... What I saw, or I presume I saw was the Sun with two outpourings of sparks whose soothing "sizzling" sound could be barely heard. This for some could be interpreted as the "I AM" presences or souls ...."descending", and "ascending". Indeed, these sparks could be what are known as nitzotzot of the Jewish Kabbalah They issued from each side of the lower portion of the Sun which could be interpreted as being the Solar Logos, God, or the Higher Self. Yet, it was partly this peaceful experience that helped to inspire me to deeply explore the world of the esoteric. It was the start of my Truth-Seeking though this had also been triggered off so to say by a certain book by the researcher Guy Lyon Playfair.. Anyway, there is also a further note to this. Shortly, after the above Vision I moved to Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire, England. I went upstairs to what was to be my private sanctum ( I was 16 at the time), and suddenly realized as I opened the door that this very same door was the one in the Vision. When it was fully ajar I saw infront of me my future desk, and chair, and the physical sun shinning its rays into the room...
PS. It should also have been said that the "Sun" did not "blind" me in a any way unlike the physical sun when perceived directly
II.The Realization of the Psychic....
Psychic Realizations, and Some Personal Experiences.
Sometimes, certain psychic realizations are had when people are in their childhood such as communicating with invisible "playmates", seeing auras, perceiving "spirit"lights, and dead people, et al. Quite often, such young persons may regard this as "normal" until they are told otherwise. As the child gets older the experiences may lessen, or usually vanish altogether in adulthood. For some though this can lead to a"career", or an intense interest in some "New Age", or psychic movement/society. Such psychic realizations can also occur in older people rather than in childhood. It might involve someone going to a healer, and later discovering that they, themselves have suddenly found the power to heal others. Certain UFO sightings along with alleged alien encounters can transform peoples lives. They feel somehow re-charged, and may even gain"temporary" psychic "powers" such as telepathy, and healing. Near-Death Experiences too, or NDEs can have a like influence on the individual. Ofcourse, this can result with certain people deceiving themselves into thinking that they do have psychic powers, and/or a special mission in life.Many ordinary folk have a story to say about some"odd" happening in their lives. Yet, such occurrencies are often a one-off, and are soon forgot.
However, such experiences would have at least made it known to the person concerned that life is far stranger than it appears. In this respect, they have much worth, and can lead onto the more important issues of spiritual evolution. In other words, a stepping stone towards higher things.In the following, I (the author) have described some of my own personal experiences. Short remarks are included. Some of it may seem a little bizarre but it must be made abundantly clear that I have never ever taken illegal drugs, and/or psychiatric ones from a doctor. It should also be stated here that most people who may have had psychic experiences are quite often,or not corpus mentis.
However, it is my belief that my own experiences were partly the outcome of birth trauma when I nearly died from suffocation. Indeed, the horror of such an event was "relived"in 1968 as a child as I was sleeping in the back seat of my parents car. This occured in Spain. Apart from that, I thought rightly, or wrongly that when I retired, the sleeping "unconcious" mind would on occasion allow normally negative "buried" memories to re-emerge in some form, or other. Yet, this could include on occasion unusual phenomena initially caused by the "re-enactment" of stiffling suffocation of the birth trauma, and its concomittant subnormal "subconcious" state of "being".This may haveacted as a"gateway" for certain lowly "attuned" forces to interfere with my childhood. In other words, these"forces" came from a sub-plane, or "world" where such awareness exists as an interiorised, and exteriorised energy "suitable" for "beings," and "things" at that level. This may seem unorthodox to some, and as such it is not our intention here to go into the more "mainstream" ideas such as those of Freud, Jung, Adler, or indeed, "re-birthing"..and the like.This subnormal level of being below waking conciousness was a feature of many of my early experiences. It is my belief that the latter has been responsible for a small amount of mental retardation, but nothing serious unlike those who for example have cerebral palsy to a grave extent.
1. Repeated Psychic "Assaults".
As a child when I was asleep I would on a few occasions become "aware" of my body at a subnormal level of conciousnes. I then experienced electricity around the back of my neck. Similiarly, the same energy could be had around the base of the heels. If I recall rightly in the book Shadow of Destiny by the controversial Alexander Cannon this was the start ofwhat might be termed attempted "possession" but in my case it was technically speaking repeated psychic "assaults". Anyway, in the darkness I would feel something on top of me, and it was grabbing my throat, and strangled me. When this appalling experience reached its climax I lost "conciousness". Then,I would wake up in bed to my normal waking conciousness.
2. Past Lives?
The above may be a repeated repressed memory at the end of a previous life if we accept reincarnation. I believe that the following experience is an instance of another existence.It occured at a subnormal level of "conciousness" to some extent.
I was on a stoney beach in France, and I was a soldier. Troops were near me, and one had a bazooker. I could see the cliffs, and a pill box with a rifle sticking out, but pointing downwards. For some reason or other I moved foolishly away from the troops, and became an easy target. A shot was heard,and entered my stomach. I fell backwards clutching it.Interestingly, the full pain, and suffering of the experience seemed to be blocked by the mind. Yet, I awoke from this "memory" which was like a replay of some vague grainy black, and white film. It was more of a tactile experience rather than a clear visual phenomenon. Anyway,I was still clutching my belly, and writhing about in my pyjamas! I also felt myself several times being inside, and outside the body. In other words, an out-of-the-body (or OOBE) experience of which I had a number of spontaneous occurrences but again at a subnormal level of conciousness (eg.rolling in, and out of bed but not physically so!).
Strange as it may appear I discovered that the death trauma memory had in World War II ofcourse occured with other living individuals. It appears that many of those who died were reborn quickly so that they could be karmically "rewarded" by experiencing a "better" world presumably in the rich countries such as Britain,America, and Europe. Their "self-sacrifice" was not in vain.
I believe I had an experience of seeing "myself"in a past life. I must stress this is only a theory, and could be completely wrong. It occured in a lucid dream (ie.I was aware I was I "dreaming"). I was in bed as a child, and next to me I saw a man lying by me. His eyes were wide with amazement, and he fearfully tried to touch my face with his hand....whereupon I blacked out, and returned to normal waking conciousness. What was extraordinary was his appearance. He had a wide ruddy face, and white dirty bedraggled hair. He had a fur collar band, and on his arm he had a blue (woad) design. Could this have been "me" in some far off incarnation, or was it someone, or something else? From the description he was probably an Ancient Briton even though I knew next to naught about that subject...but I did develop an intense interest in history later. Also, it should be added that I saw a strip of silver light (astral light of occultism?) along the side of his muscled frame. If I recall correctly JoanForman mentions something similiar in her bookl in connection with "time-slips".
Another instance at a rather lower level of subnormal conciousness than usual was a "visitation" of a monk whose face I dared not look at. He had a wooden bowl in which he dipped his finger to make the sign of the cross on my forehead! I did not really understand the full significance of this at the time. Could this have been "me" in a previous incarnation as a medieval monk possibly? There is much in psychic literature about reincarnation. The subject is vast.
3. The Windsor Apparition.
Ghosts have been reported all over the world. Evidence seems to suggest that most of them are probably replays of minor, or major happenings of the past.Usually, they are of a tragic nature. Strong negative emotions seem to impose themselves most easily onto the ether unlike positive uplifting ones.
My own personal experience occured in around 1968 in a house which had just been built in Windsor, Berkshire. I awoke one night, and felt an unnatural clammy coldness even though it was very still summer night. At the bottom of my bed I saw the form of a man dressed in Victorian garb (a "vagrant"). He looked perfectly solid. I froze with terror, and just stared at him. The "phantom" or whatever it was merely stood totally stationary for a short while. He was dressed in a large brown shabby overcoat that looked a bit dusty.He had a matching top-hat, and the shade of its rim covered his eyes. He seemed to have a scarf around his neck. Quite mechanically his large form turned around, and displayed a suprising array of different coloured patches on the back of his coat. At the same time,I could hear the crackle of electricity. This was a low sound but it was distinct. Slowly, but surely he moved towards the corner of the room. As he started to gently fade away into the night(quite literally!) I noted that parts of the furthest edge of his coat were vibrating furiously, and then, disappearing. Here, I stress the word "parts" as the whole form did not become a vibrating mass of energy... This, along with the crackling of electricity as he turned plus the initial clammy coldness indicated that such phenomenon have some kind of mechanics yet to be comprehended by science.
I have to admit too that on very rare occasions I sometimes saw the static outline of figures. Whether this was purely a trick of the mind is impossible to say with certainty. They seemed to be aborted materializations. In one instance of a similiar phenomenon, I saw the shadow silhouette of a profile of a mans face at the bottom of my bedroom door. It could have come from the light outside but there was no one there! Moreover, it was totally still for a very long time, and seemingly inexplicable.Ofcourse, none of this compares with the materialized phantom of the Windsor apparition I saw so many moons ago...Morever, that "phantom" was not some replay from the past but rather an "astral shell". In other words, there was no intelligent life in it as we would understand it.
There is a strange footnote to this s pectral materialization. I experienced the same clammy coldness (acting as a warning?) twice just before I saw two fatal road accidents. The most horrendous of which was the one up in the mountains of the Pyrennees in Spain. In my parents car I saw a huge lorry which was about to tip over the edge of a cliff. A vehicle had rammed into it, and a man in a white shirt hung out of it covered in blood. A priest was present presumably giving the last rites. A woman who was pinned into the back seat next to the dead man was understandably hysterical. A man in a suit lay on the road but no obvious trace of blood, and yet, somehow I knew he was dead. After I saw all that I stuck my head out of my parents car, and vomited. No child, or adult should have to see something like that.
4. A Psychic "Lightning Bolt".
This experience such as it can be called is perhaps the most fantastical (1979). It commenced in a lucid dream in which I was aware of being next to a Church in Windsor. I saw in the seeming darkness around me a harp which was making discordant sounds due to "wind"(like an Aeolian harp). Then, I looked up, and could hear the peels of thunder, and lightning. Suddenly, I realized that that I had become the target for it. The ligtning bolt struck me, and I awoke in bed. I was lying on my side, and noticed a flame-like aura along my body. The bedroom was half lit up by the orange "lightning-flash".In seconds, it, and the aura (which did not surround my body but just the side of it!) disappeared leaving me astonished. What on earth was all this about? I believe that someone, or something was wanting to help me to experience certain future trials, and tribulations. In other words, it was a sudden transmission of healing energy to enable, and empower me to face serious problems. The orange aura is indicative of a force emanating from my vital (or health) body.I have to confess that on rare occasions in my early childhood I sometimes experienced energy quickly shoot through my "physical" body. On occasions, I would jolt up in the air. Apparently, this may be caused by the astral body returning to the physical body rather quickly!
5. Psychic Healing.
It is claimed that everyone is able to develop psychic healing if they wish. I recall once taking a friend to the house of a famous medium on the Isle of Wight(1979). I remember the whole room was saturated with energy, and as I concentrated my mind on the Third Eye the power also centred itself "there!" However, I, myself had a healing which came quite unbidden. I was seated with two Sikh friends who belonged to Eckankar which drew its inspiration mainly from Surat Shabd Yoga but mixed it up with other techniques. I was in a very relaxed state of mind, and I felt myself going into a light waking trance. At the same time, I, and my companions were listening to a tape by the controversial Paul Twitchell who was talking about healing, and being healed! I also became aware of what might best be termed very subtle energies going through me in a most gentle manner.After a short while I came out of this trance, and I looked at one of my Sikh friends who thereupon said "You should say thank you." Clearly, he knew what had happened.
Though not related to healing I also had an experience of the Eck Master Darwin Gross. I recall seeing a photo of him printed in a book produced by Eckankar.As I concentrated on it I could full distinct vibrations! Whether this was a trick of the mind, or not is an open question.
6.Synchronicity.
Many people have experienced synchronicity, or meaningful coincidences. I have two interesting examples though I have had many others of a less"extraordinary" nature. Odd as it may seem they were both connected with where I was living(1977-1990)which was Stoke Poges, a very posh area just outside Slough. In around 1989 I was making enquiries about possibly interviewing Ma Yogashakti a female guru for Yoga, and Healing magazine (which was later published with photographic material). My contact was with someone who worked at the School of Oriental, and African Studies at the University of London. She supplied me with much useful information, and asked me where I lived. I said Stoke Poges, and she claimed she used to live in Chesham which was fairly nearby. However, it also transpired that she actually had relatives at the Orchard (built in the Edwardian age) which was the house I was living in on Park Road with mater, and pater! Apparently, as a child she used to stay (or possibly lived there on, and off if my memory serves me well!) there, and as proof of these claims she presented some photocopies of old photographs from her family albums. This showed the Orchard as it was in the early part of the 20thCentury. She made the claim that this big house was also originally the place for high ranking military people from British India to stay temporarily when on leave.
The other "meaningful" coincidence involved a telephone conversation with someone from a metaphysical society based in Hastings. He claimed he could hear inner psychic sounds at a distance, and they reminded him of the poem by Thomas Grey known as the Elegy. I was amazed by this because he did not know that I was calling from Stoke Poges which was the place where it was actually written! Indeed, there is an actual monument to the Elegy near to the Church where Thomas Grey is buried.
Such experiences are common especially in case of those concerned with the search for Truth, or some other pressing matter of importance to the individual. They appear to clearly show that the universe at some level is interconnected into a Whole, and that we, ourselves ofcourse are a part of It. Indeed, they also suggest that there is something guiding our lives.In the world of the psychic, and infact, the spiritual there are various "guides" of one sort, or another. I remember a long time ago waking up, and just recalled in a "dream" a mist which seemed to be vertically flattened in part to allow strange writing to magically appear by itself. The script may have been Hebrew but it is not possible to say for certain. I heard a voice from the right of me saying that bad actions are good because they could lead to good ones, or words to that effect! In other words, learning via experience which we all do. This may have been some kind of contact with a guide of some degree, or possibly a trick of the mind.However, this experience seemed real enough, and happened very quickly as I got the impression that I was not meant to be conciously aware of it.
7. Psychic "Vision?"
I once attended a meeting concerned with Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga. One of the participants so to speak was seatted near me in the gloom of the room. I noticed what appeared to be a "cloud" (a form of ectoplasm?).In it, I was able to discern what appeared to be a horrific car crash. I later asked the person about it, and he was shocked especially when I gave him the colours of the two vehicles involved. He had somewhile ago just survived a horrific crash in which the vehicles were horribly mangled. He still suffered from the pains of this appalling experience.............
The above experiences in this essay are just examples which appear to suggest that there is something more to life. Yet, no doubt, there are many who may read this who may have had far more interesting, and extraordinary happenings. Such material appears in internet forums, specialist magazines, and/or goes into biographies, and autobiographies of mediums, and other "psychic" notables such as Derek Acorah, and UriGeller. It is hard to see how sceptics continue to pooh pooh such annecdotal evidence, and its commonality when it should be clear to anyone that"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy...." to use the classic Shakespearean line.
IV.Religare, Gurinder, and Beas Satsang, (Part Two.)
The Bloggers comments on the two articles by Brian Hines................
Sometime after my initiation into the Radhasoami Satsang Beas, or RSSB someone claiming to be an English teacher who worked in Spain came out with a claim. He revealed that Gurinder (shortly before Charan passed on) had done some kind of business "mistake," but Beas Satsang sent a message claiming that he was a Perfect Master. Hence, he could do no wrong. The English teacher then asked me what sort of power we were dealing with? This was somewhat disturbing at the time as I did have some doubts about Gurinder which unfortunately are now bourne out by the revelations at Brian Hines Blog.
Another red flag was raised when I was with some friends at a home Satsang in which there was mention about the construction for a run-way of sorts at Haynes Park so that Gurinder could land his aircraft! However, this came to nothing....probably due to the bureaucratic local planning authorities!! Admitedly, I did not think much of this...and everyone seemed to regard it as amusing. But is a "run-way" a best way of using money....probably money which originated from the Satsang itself...?
The question which I am concerned here is this. Does it all matter? In one sense, it does as revealed in Brian Hines two articles. But it must be remembered that the physical Master like many incarnations in India is seen as the physical manifestation of God. What I present here are three ways of looking at this subject with an open mind. Admitedly, I am a bit of a Radhasoami apologist because I feel there is more than meets the eye ....
KEY CLAIM I.
Whether Gurinder is perfect, or not probably does not matter as the following extract reveals, and is believed to have been said by Sawan Singh..
“....If the Guru himself has not reached Satlok, but his Guru is perfect or, like Swami Ji Maharaj, has come straight from Anami(the Nameles Region, the highest of all), he will take his disciples up to the stage he has attained himself, and beyond that his Guru, or his Gurus Guru, or Swami Ji Maharaj Himself will take them. There should be no worry about this.”
Ref With the Three Masters, by Munshi Ram page 68, 2001 edition.
But the question is this? Why should an "imperfect" Master exist? The answer maybe that the Mauj (or Divine Will) of God wants to "wind up" RSSB for reasons best known to Itself. Indeed, the whole organization has become absurdly big, and "bloated". It does need to radically reduce its size. Ideally, Gurinder should step down from his position of Master, and possibly have set up a number of "Satgurus" who would be elected by advanced Satsangis. Such spiritual elections have already notably happened in Dayalbagh. However, this is unlikely to happen unless there is a serious power struggle at the top....
Furthermore, many people have complained that nothing is experienced in meditation after many years of practice. What is required is a database on which to draw upon made up of anonymous Satsangis who could give attempted descriptions of their experiences. This could act as an encouragement.
KEY CLAIM II.
In RSSB the the physical Satguru is meant to be omnisicient....but there is plenty of evidence on the contrary though a disciple would simply regard this as as test of faith, and/or come out with some kind of rationalization......
........Just after Maharaj Charan Singh former head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas died in 1990 a book appeared on him, and his discourses entitled Treasure Beyond Measure. In it he discussed his own experiences about the utter suprise that he was appointed Sant Satguru in 1951 by the previous deceased incumbent Maharaj Jagat Singh Ji. He regarded the whole matter as a cruel trick of fate. To a Satsangi, or devotee this shows his utter humility! He was pretending that he was not a real Master!!However, what perhaps was Maharaj Charan Singh really saying without giving the game away? He was arguably indicating to those "in the know" that he was telling the truth pure, and simple as far as he could understand it at the time.
To understand what follows it is best to examine a mystic called Faqir Chand. He, like Maharaj Charan Singh was regarded as a much respected teacher of shabd yoga. But Chand claimed that though he was regarded as the physical manifestation of God he was not omniscient. He did not know anything about the miracles that his devotees expressed to him in which his Radiant Form would appear in the outer, or inner worlds of matter, or spirit. He found this same unawareness with other masters of the shabd yoga tradition, and this is borne out by evidence. He concluded that it was the BELIEF AND FAITH of the devotees which generated the phenomena of inner visions, and miracles due to their devotional love for him. However, this did not imply necessarily that they were merely hallucinations but in many perhaps most cases that it was their Higher Self (ie ones Personal God) which appeared in a Radiant Form that looked like him! Thus, Maharaj Charan Singh may be indicating the "truth" indirectly of the above phenomenon. It should be added that for the Chandian Effect to be genuine in the guru world one, or more of a line of Masters should be bona fide in the spiritual sense.
Gurinder Singh though has on one, or more occassion indicated in his Satsang that he (using the "I" in context to his discourse) is aware of his devotees wherever they are! If correct, he has tried to suggest indirectly that he is omniscient which runs counter to the claims of Faqir Chand.
Yet, in a letter to a devotee I used to know he claimed that she could continue with her Bhajan (attempts at trying to listen to the Sound Current in this context) but admitted that she did not even do it! This she found puzzling! There may well be some other similiar evidence...This would be no surprise.
A rather odd thing occured in connection with myself. This is not a meditation experience per se but happened quite naturally, and spontaneously as I was walking. An image of Gurinder Singh appeared in the area of my Third Eye in a "circle" shape. He was dressed with his turban, and a white suit....the one which I wore at initiation back in 1993! The image changed but with the same suit. Perhaps this "mind trick" was suggesting in a crude manner that the Master was myself which is rediculous! However, my present Lower Self entangled in mind, and matter is ofcourse NOT the same as my pure Higher Self which is what Chand was really on about. But it was an odd "mind trick".
However, I do believe rightly, or wrongly that "God-Realised" Masters exist who are to a high degree "omniscient". Yet, most are probably not. Moreover, I suspect that if Gurinder,(or should I say Babaji?) and those like him are indeed as such it may well be that this process of unfoldment (ie.a degree of "omniscience") may be "gardually" developed either before, or after their mastership. This is a big subject, and appears to have something to do with the mechanics of higher conciousness.
KEY CLAIM III.
Depending on ones sensitivity when I have attended Satsang at Southall there is an intense concentration of the subtle energies of higher conciousness. This awareness I believe has been increased after my experiences with Sant Harjit Singh. What is significant is that this "sea" of higher energies does NOT come from the Satsangis alone. In other words, it may well have a divine source, or sources. I recall feeling this Power descending from the ceiling of the Satsang Hall in most a gentle, and spontaneous manner. Sometimes ofcourse one can see a white glow in some of the Satsangis themselves which is extremely subtle.
When I leave the Southall Satsang this higher energy of conciousness can be experienced in the wonderful park nearby. I also recall Sant Harjit Singhs energy not only in his house but also outside...and beyond ofcourse. This is a matter of personal experience, and I cannot prove it unfortunately...
Ofcourse, critics would say that the above is experienced in places like football matches, and pop music festivals...when the atmosphere becomes electric!! However, what I experience (along with many others) is something far more than this. It is A POWER unlike anything of this world...
In other words, RSSB is still a living faith par excellence....................
V. Anyone Can Feel Energies.
Back in circa 1994, or thereabouts Gurinder Singh, the head of Radhsoami Satsang Beas made a suprise visit to the London Satsang. At the end of his talk he asked whether anyone had any questions. I stood up, and claimed that during my spiritual search I had experienced "energies" from some gurus, or words to that effect. Gurinder rightly said that "Anyone can feel energies". There is nothing in the way of real spiritual advancement about it.
Anyway, in April 2011 I was at a famous yearly Sikh Festival in which a number of temporary free food stalls were set up on certain streets in Slough. These marked the procession of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, and their actual living Guru. Just before the open canopied float in which it was placed along with the priests appeared, I was wistfully thinking about the energies of higher conciousness experienced at Haynes Park where I was at a Radhasoami meeting. I did not feel anything like that at the Slough Sikh Festival. However, much to my amazement as I came close to the actual float, and indeed, the Guru Granth Sahib itself I experienced the intensity of higher energies, and as such bowed to it with a respectful Namaste...However,no visual data was registered as the energies could have come from one of the priests rather than from the Granth itself in the open canopied float.
As mentioned in an early post in Esoteric Miscellany,(from Thoughts, and Visions Blog) I was struck by a ray from the Guru Granth Sahib itself as I paid my obeissance to it....! Whether this was a trick of the imagination, or not is impossible to say. Anyway, drawn by this energy I joined the procession of mainly sweaty, and at times smelly (!!) ladies who followed the float. Much to my suprise I saw in the crowd Fiona McTaggert, the MP for Slough who recognized me. She had an scarf over her head, and was dressed like an Indian Sikh lady if I recalled correctly. Thankfully, she did not give her usual Cheshire cat-like smile!
Apart from the above,I was once sitting at a public computer terminal doing my usual tapping on the keys when someone next to me passed me a note. On it was the word psychic....but without the question mark. It transpired that the person next to me claimed he could feel my "energies" and was wondering whether I was psychic, or not. I said that I was possibly. He also revealed he could pick different energies from different people but like me usually received no visual data. He rightly pointed out that this was a natural phenomena...........
VI.Some Futher Details on Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga.
The following is to do with the background of the RS Faith which teaches Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga, and is a long essay from the kheper website. However, the version that appears on site run by AK usually turns up the old original version which later went through some revision. So, to find the most accurate, and up-to-date version it is necessary to use search words that include the following Harjit Singh, Non-Absolutist Sant Mat, Kheper....Anyway, I give the cut, and paste essay which can be discussed here if desired...However, I have added some more changes which appear exclusively on this blog ...!
RS.
The Kheper website presents the teachings of Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga.The source of this information comes from Rajinder Singhs Science of Spirituality. His group is known as the Sawan-Kirpal Mission, and one of many branches in the Radhasoami Faith. Apparently, the word "Radhasoami" is a "phonetic misspell" of Radhaswami which is the correct way of pronouncing it. Essentially, it can be translated as meaning the Lord of the Soul, or God. It has many adherents all over the world.The aim of this write-up is to highlight certain vital points lacking in the main body of the Sant Mat article even though resource links of interest have been added.
A.THE SOAMIBAGH SATSANG. A BRIEF HISTORICAL "OVERVIEW" OF THE RADHASOAMI FAITH.
The Radhasoami Faith was founded in 1861 by Shiv Dayal Singh who was a banker at Agra. He was as his Will indicates "born almighty" in the sense that he had no guru who initiated him into the science of Surat Shabd Yoga. His teachings are contained in Sar Bachan meaning True Words, and it is believed that they were dictated by him to his chief disciple Rai Saligram or Huzur Maharaj who succeeded him.Strange as it may seem it was him, and not Dayal Singh who introduced the name Radhaswami. Huzur Maharaj claimed that this word was like the Sound reverberating in the highest Spiritual Region. Thus, it was to be treated as something extremely sacred. Moreover,it was an innovation in the medieval sant tradition which advocated Shabd Yoga. Huzur Maharaj claimed that the old Indian saints or Satgurus who taught contact with the Sound Current only reached the fifth Spiritual Region. He disclosed that there was an even higher one where God in its purest manifestation existed. Indeed, the Holy Name of Radhaswami was used as a means of concentration during simran (repetition) in meditation.
Huzur Maharaj was highly respected, and was a post-master general who was honoured by the British. He is credited with what might be termed the systemization of the Faith, and wrote a number of classic books. After his death Brahma Sankar Misra, or Maharaj Saheb became the next Satguru. He notably wrote a book in which he tried to compare the teachings of Radhasoami with the physics of the day. Maharaj Saheb claim to fame is the introduction of the Central Administrative Council which seeked to try to avoid splits within the Faith. Unfortunately, due to its "strict" rulings it had the opposite effect. The last "official" Satguru of this "parent rock" of the Radhasoami Faith was Babuji Maharaj. After his passing a period of interregnum occured in which no "official" successor was recognised. This line of Masters made up the Soamibagh Satsang, Agra.
B. RADHASOAMI SATSANG BEAS, OR RSSB.
Radhasoami Satsang Beas, or more simply RSSB was the first group to break away from the Central Administrative Council. It was headed by Baba Jaimal Singh who had been initiated by Shiv Dayal Singh. He was a "soldier saint", and during his retirement became recognised as a Satguru. He did not ultimately accept the Holy Name Radhaswami, and instead used the Five Holy Names of the earlier medieval sants claiming that this was Dayal Singhs original mantra for repetition, or simran which appears to be true.
Anyway, it was a good enough excuse for a split to occur between Soamibagh, and his group later known ofcourse as RSSB. The Central Administrative Council decided to "excommunicate" him, and he died shortly afterwards in 1903. It was claimed that his disciples, or Satsangis only reached the fifth Spiritual Region known to previous medieval saints, and not the higher one above known as Radhasoami Dham, or the Abode of the Lord with the Name resounding in it. RSSB believes that the ultimate Sound, or Shabd of the Universe is actually inexpressible, and cannot be put into the language of the world in any way.
This rift in the interpretation of the RS Faith has caused much heartache.In the Beas edition of Sar Bachan reference to Radhaswami as understood by Soamibagh has been edited out. Moreover, something else is also introduced into the text. It concerns successorship. The Beas Sar Bachan claims that when the Satguru dies those initiated by him must continually have faith in him. In other words, his Radiant Form must manifest within during Shabd Yoga, and not that of his living successor. The latter though can act as the outer guide to help Satsangis. The Soamibagh edition of Sar Bachan (as dictated to Huzur Maharaj) makes it clear that the present living Satguru must manifest itself as the inner Guide instead of the deceased predescessor!! RSSB claims to this day that their edition of Sar Bachan is the "unedited" version as originally intended by Shiv Dayal Singh. Huzur Maharaj simply edited it to present the importance of the Name, and ofcourse, the question of successorship. But, Dayal Singhs Will seem to clearly state that there are two Shabd Yoga Path one started by himself (ie.Sant Mat), and the other by Huzur Maharaj (ie. Radhaswami Mat). Both of them basically teach the same thing.
Anyway, RSSB is arguably the most influential organisation of the Radhasoami Faith. It was the first to introduce the teachings to the West notably through a book entitled The Path of the Masters by Dr. Julian Johnson in 1939. The present head of RSSB is Gurinder Singh.
C.SOME OTHER RADHASOAMI ORGANISATIONS.
There are many "splits", or rather branches of the Radhasoami Faith each having its own living Satguru.Dayalbagh Satsang is perhaps the most famous one for those in the know. It broke away from the Central Administrative Council, and like RSSB set up its own Colony in which a high degree of industrialization took place. Unlike RSSB it appears that certain successors to the guru gaddi (or throne) have been chosen by spiritual election rather than by written Will. Sadly, Dayalbagh has for many years contested in the Courts the property rights of Soamibagh Satsang whose authority it does not recognize. It also believes in the Holy Name of Radhasoami which it also uses in Shabd Yoga.When the Great Master Maharaj Sawan Singh Ji of RSSB died in 1948 he wrote a Will in which he ordered that Jagat Singh should succeed him. However, Sant Kirpal Singh who was highly regarded formed his own break-away-group. This was the Ruhani Satsang. However, when he died his son Darshan Singh formed another organisation called the Sawan-Kirpal Mission now headed by Rajinder Singh.
An interesting aspect of the above is it believes that the new seeker into Shabd Yoga can receive some kind of inner experience of some description at the time of initiation. Yet, RSSB has claimed that this is just a "trick". However, a real Teacher should be able to give a disciple "something to work on" irrespective of how unadvanced he, or she might be. This acts as a vital inspiration to continue on the Path.
What is intriguing about all this, and to some extent suspicious is the tendency for a line of gurus to be physically related to one each other. For example, Rajinder Singh was the eldest son of Darshan Singh. When Shiv Dayal Singh died he actually nominated his wife Radha Ji to become the Satguru but she insisted that Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj should replace her as the living guide. Infact, there is a sect in which a certain highly respected academic, Agam Prasad Mathur is directly related to Saligram himself. He is the author notably of The Radhasoami Faith; A Historical Study (1974).
Incidently, another more important source for Radhaswami history are the writings of S.D. Maheshwari of Soamibagh Satsang who wrote much on the subject.Lastly, Professor Mark Juergensmeyer wrote Radhasoami Reality; The Logic of a Modern Faith which gives some understanding of this subject. He was notably helped by the research undertaken by David Christopher Lane who is a Professor of Philosophy, and Sociology in the USA. He is still interested in the subject, and set up the Neural Surfer website. He is also among other things famed for his investigative research on Eckankar which drew its inspiration from Sant Mat, and surat shabd yoga.There are a number of organizations which have partly, or largely changed the teachings altogether. Yet, they still trace their origins to the Radhasoami Faith. One such is headed by Shree, Shree Mentu Maharaj which uses the Holy Name for meditation but without the Sound initiation known to Surat Shabd Yoga.
D. THE ESOTERIC IMPORTANCE OF THE RADHASOAMI SPIRITUAL COSMOLOGY.
Though the Kheper article on the subject concerned gives some details about the spiritual cosmology of the Radhasoami Faith it is not complete. For that we have to turn to the writings of L.R. Puri an academic who notably wrote Mysticism, the Spiritual Path Vol II, and The Radhaswami Teachings all published by RSSB. Shiv Dayals basic details concerning the "road-map" to God appear in Sar Bachan. They present a more fuller "depiction" of the Spiritual Regions than can be found in the writings of the medieval sants.In Discourses on Sant Mat there is a collection of Sawan Singhs talks at Satsangs, or meetings. He gives a few interesting examples in which he shows symbolism of the medieval sants as being corroborative, and thus, possibly suggestive of their "objective" reality.
Counter-arguments though can be presented.Interestingly, many Indian teachers of any spiritual tradition tend to regard inner experiences of higher worlds as being essentially unimportant, or even partly, or wholly illusionary, and as such should be ignored. In Sant Mat this is also true to a certain degree, and emphasis is placed on ones full attention on the Radiant Form of the Satguru during Shabd Yoga. The aim here is to avoid the Satsangi from being sidetracked into lower planes, and beings who would hold up his, or her progress to the "highest" Region of God-Realization. Dr. Alfonso Caycedo, a Spanish psychiatrist wrote back in the sixties a fascinating work on gurus, and inner experiences entitled India of Yogis. Dr. Ranade a renowned mystic, and academic authored the Pathway to God volumes in which examines in detail the writings of the medieval shabd mystics, and to some extent their internal experiences. There is further enlargement of all this in the last section of this "essay".
The point of all this comment on Radhasoami Spiritual Cosmology is to make people aware that it has arguably the simplest, and most authentic, and complete understanding of the higher Regions ....unlike most esoteric traditions. Hence, its greatness, and importance for the seeker after Truth.
E. SURAT SHABD YOGA IS NOT THE SAME AS KUNDALINI YOGA.
Sadly, there is a certain amount of misinformation and misrepresentation of the teachings of Surat Shabd Yoga, and Sant Mat. This notably appears on the Internet such as the Secret History website. It is the claim that Surat Shabd Yoga is the same as Kundalini Yoga (though ofcourse the inner experiences of both systems may seem similiar to a certain extent). This is incorrect for the following reasons;-
i) The origin of the above seems to largely come from the claim that at the first initiation into the Self-Realization Fellowship (which teaches Kriya Yoga involving Kundalini)
contains in full, or in part the exact knowledge of the Sant Mat Sound sequence. Whether this is true, or false is actually immaterial because replicas of the key sights, coloured "lights", and sounds can be found in the lower as well as in the higher Spiritual Regions!
ii) Shabd Yoga does not involve special breathing practises or deliberate arousal of the Kundalini, or concentration on the lower centres, or chakras of the subtle body with the exception of the one at the Third Eye. Moreover, there are said to be certain "secret" centres in the grey matter of brain which may be unknown to Kundalini yogis.
iii) Unlike mainstream Yogic thought, Shabd Yoga does not require the Kundalini to be raised in the traditional manner for Enlightenment. It is a far safer, and natural system of meditation. It should not be confused with astral travel which just deals with the lower psychic realms. Rather it is more accurate to say that conciousness is withdrawn to the Eye Centre, and like a "mental radio" it can contact specific key Sounds. With increasing concentration occuring naturally (ie.not forced) its power to "ascend" or communicate with higher states of conciousness becomes progressively possible.This is a process of "dying daily" via meditation.
iv) It is true that Shabd Yoga borrows some terms from Kundalini Yoga but this does not mean that it is the same thing. Misleadingly, Kriya Yoga master Sri Yukteswar is said to have written a book entitled Surat-Shabda-Yoga!!! However, since it revealed too much esoteric information about the Kundalini it was apparently withdrawn from circulation! (The author would welcome a copy of it for his work into the research, and development of Multi-Dimensional Science).Incidently, the term Shabd, Shabad,or Shabda can mean inner, and indeed,outer Sound, or Music depending on context. Many references to it can be found in Kundalini texts.
v)There is yet the claim that the Adi Granth Sahib the Sikh "Bible" has many references to Kundalini as being possibly the same as Shabd Yoga. This is more "incorrect thinking". Infact, the Granth Sahib is a massive work, and there are virtually no references to the Kundalini itself!Finally, Surat Shabd Yoga is NOT to be confused with Nada Yoga. The latter is the old Vedic system of contacting inner Sounds but these relate to the lower ones of the intermediate planes of the Astral Region. In Shabd Yoga there are five major Sounds. These pertain to the Five Major Regions.
F.THE "PROBLEM" WITH SCANDALS IN THE RADHASOAMI FAITH.
On the internet especially there have been a number of possible "scandals" concerning certain "Satgurus" (and indeed, gurus of other traditions) of the Radhasoami Faith. Much of this is questionable, and usually has little, or no independent corroboration from other witnesses. Moreover, the further back in time we go there are less records if any on any "Satguru". Some of these "records" can be found in India Office Library and Records in London. Jaimal Singh is for example listed as being in the army there, and reference can be found to Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj being honoured by the British. Furthermore, it is possible to trace pamphlets (some proscribed), and books about the early attempts to denigrate the Radhasoami Faith, and its Satgurus. Most if not all published information had to be registered under a specific Act of Parliament
Nowadays, it is possible to quickly find out anything about anybody "illegally" via detective agencies especially on the internet where they can hack into government, and commercial computers. For example full background checks may well be possible into someone like Gurinder Singh the head of the RSSB. Yet, even these agencies admit that their data may not always be correct, and should be taken with a pinch of salt.Moreover, there is information which is essentially speculation par excellence on people by various governmental bodies around the world. For instance, Gurinder Singh was ludicrously suspected of being a drug baron. As such he was unable to leave a certain country. It turned out that the term "patron of the RSSB" was mistranslated into meaning a drug baron..!
Anyway, The the following claims may well have much greater validity concerning the reputation of certain "Satgurus." For legal reasons, indentifying names, and places have been omitted:-
1. One "Satguru" sexually abused women now, and again. Actual witnesses statements exist.
2. A writer on the Radhasoami Faith published the claim that a certain "Satguru" sexually interferred with young girls. However, full corroborative evidence has yet to be made public.
3. A certain "Satguru" possibly used disciples to illegally smuggle in presents from other countries.
4. One "Satguru" has collected computers for the Satsang and some of these may belong to the restricted technology listing, and it would thus be illegal for them to have been imported into India.
5. Another "Satguru" had a mistress. To his credit, he admitted that this was true...Such revelations are excellent gun-fodder for sceptics.
However, I (the author) believe that in certain cases these may be a test of faith, or psychic tricks (or riddhis, or illusions, or visual psychic tricks which could involve an advanced form of mass hallucination, or "magic") to fool people.Some "Satgurus" may well be initiators acting purely on the behalf of their predescessor with whom they probably have inner contact. This implies they may not necessarily have reached the highest planes of "perfection", and that their character may not also be perfect in the spiritual sense. Thus, they may do things which may be wrong, or even criminal on "rare" occassions. Yet, they still have the authority to initiate new seekers into Surat Shabd Yoga because their line of "Satgurus" has at least one Perfect Master with full spiritual power. As to why this could well be is still subject to speculation.
To find out more light on this the reader can go if desired to my article on Multi-Dimensional Science on the kheper website where there is a section which deals in part with this very "problem". Reference is also made to the teaching of Faqir Chand who was a respected Shabd Yoga Mystic, and seemed to believe that its ones Higher Self which acted as the real inner Satguru (ie the Radiant Form of the Teacher) during Shabd Yoga, or any other similiar practice, and that the outer Master irrespective of his, or her actions only acted as a catalyst.
Sawan Singh though seemed to claim that at initiation he actually created the Shabd Form in each of his Satsangis. Whenever there was a serious crisis this Form would telepathically transmit its message to the physical master who would thereby make a decision. It is quite clear that we have more to learn about the actual modus operandi operating between disciple, and master.
Yet, Chands ideas in the main are still valid, and relevant as far as they go.Moreover, what matters in Surat Shabd Yoga is the need to practice, and reform oneself. It is claimed that Sawan Singh claimed in the book entitled With the Three Great Masters by Munshi Ram that there should be no worry about whether a Shabd Yoga Master is Perfect, or not as one, or more of his predecessors may appear within to help the the disciple to ascend the higher Regions. In other words, the Light of Truth reveals Itself via inner expereience. As already suggested but expressed a little differently, the Higher Self (in the Chandian context) which is ultimately our real Satguru may even manifest ItSelf as a replica of the imperfect outer Master of Shabd Yoga. Whether something like this actually happens or not probably depends on spiritual background, and other factors. This "replica" or rather the Radiant Form may well be able to take the disciple to the "highest" plane of spiritual liberation (or as Sawan Singh is said to have suggested a genuine previous Master may appear "inside" to replace the "imperfect" Master to take the soul upwards). Yet, the outer manifestation of this "Guide" can do no such thing in the inner journey.
In keeping with most Indian mystical movements the Radhasoami Faith does not believe in the development of psychic power. Yet, the late Dr. Puri in Liverpool (UK) tried to use Shabd Yoga as a means of healing certain ailments.
G. NON-ABSOLUTIST SANT MAT..?
As mentioned Faqir Chand was a Shabd Yoga Master but his view about Sant Mat can be regarded as being non-absolutist. In keeping with mystical Hinduism he believed that different types of Yoga appealed to different kinds of people. They ultimately lead to the Supreme Source of Creation. In other words, Surat Shabd Yoga is just one of many many Paths leading to Samadhi in contradiction to what we have been saying in this essay. Chand was very open, and honest about his inner experiences in Shabd Yoga. He even admitted that he was not necessarily right, or even had doubts about whether he reached the "highest" state of conciousness.This may be a display of pure humility, or perhaps a degree of ignorance.One of his recognized successors was Sant Harjit Singh. It is claimed that he uses a mantra with a specific "charge". When practised it allows the listener to go deeper, and deeper into the Sound, and Light until a state of "no-thought" is reached (referred to in this context as Maha Sunn).
A number of people who practice "pure" Surat Shabd Yoga come to him for help. Interestingly, Harjit Singh though does not believe that the inner stages "described" in the writings of Dayal Singh, and other Satgurus exist. They are regarded as projections of the mind.Harjit Singh has pointed out that most gurus, and yogis are totally unknown to the public. As usual there is the claim too that Surat Shabd Yoga evolved from the Siddha Tradition, the Udasi branch of Sikhism, and other sources. Undoubtedly, there is great truth in all this.At the end of the day, the individual must reach his, or her conclusion on such matters.
As far as the author is concerned it is probably the best bet to accept the absolutist stance on Sant Mat, and get initiated by a Perfect Master....otherwise there could be possible "danger" of just going to the lower pure planes which are not beyond the realms of reincarnation. The ultimate aim probably of human life is to achieve true Liberation via Self-Realization, and genuine God-Realization in the "highest" Region of Super-Conciousness.
Apart from the Radhasoami Faith proper there are other virtually unknown groups which believe inner Sound, or the Word is the sole means of achieving the Truth. One headed by the "Satguru" Santsevi springs to mind.Surat Shabd Yoga is quite probably not just another Yogic Path in spite of what many people "in the know" may say. However, in an infinite spiritual universe anything is possible, and it is important to retain an open mind. As the Masters say...the Truth lies ultimately within.
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VII. Encountering Radha Soami Satsang Beas.
Encountering Radhasoami Satsang Beas............ Originally, I was interested in Eckankar, and "by chance" I came across a movement called Radha Soami Satsang Beas in 1980. A friend of mine happened upon a booklet he found on his parents table. It was called the Inner Voice by Colonel Sanders which gave a basic introduction to Sant Mat. It was fascinating....and I was determined to find out more. I noticed that the owner of the booklet had left his address inside so I went to him to enquire more. His name was Jit Johal, and I spent a few ocassions visiting him. He informed me that I should really go to Satsang in London which I duly did. It was there that I met a number of interesting people including some notables such as Nigel North (a famed lutenist who even did some work for David Munrow), and Judith Durham of the Seekers who I use to tower over. She called me Sir on a number of ocassions rather than my first,or last name. Another well-known follower, or Satsangi was Martin Shaw, the actor.
Anyway, I was also suprised to find how much had been printed on Sant Mat, and I studied this stuff avidly. Every Sunday I started to regularly attend Satsangs, and I felt at times imbued with a highly subtle version of bliss....I also acted as a sevadar too. This took the shape of myself being a "doorman" at the Satsang Hall (now demolished but used to be fairly close to Paddington station).
Near the end of 1980 I wrote a long letter to Maharaj Charan Singh Ji who was the Present Living Master of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. His reply was remarkably comprehensive considering his busy time schedule. He notably complimented me on being a genuine Truth Seeker who was not just interested in intellectual "gymnastics" (as he put in one, or more times in his printed letters in certain Satsang books). This was true even though I came across as something of an "intellectual" to some people.
However, I was suffering from an obssession. Apart from being a determined Seeker After Truth I had a morbid complex about a possible early physical demise before getting initiated into surat shabd yoga by Maharaj Charan Singh Ji. At times, this obssession was driving me mad. I wrote to him about my concern.and he claimed that I should leave everything in Gods hands. Moreover, he made the claim that "....the Master (ie. himself) was only responsible for particular souls assigned to him by God."
All this lead to a bizarre twist of events. For many years I was due to parental pressure not being able to go fully vegatarian, and hence, become an initiate, or Satsangi. Yet, nothing remains the same forever. For a time I lost contact with the London Satsang, and in 1990 I was free to "do my own thing". In effect, I had just left my parents home as they had moved onto Oxford. I rang up a Satsangi friend, and she informed me that Maharaj Charan Singh had just passed on...! I was amazed. Charan was right. I was not meant to be initiated by him! It was to be his successor Baba Gurinder Singh .
PS. There is one thing I would like to add. When I was visting Jit Johal I saw a large photo of Maharaj Charan Singh laughing. Anyway, whilst I was doing some outdoor work at a golf club I was feeling very devotional, and had the sensation of doing everything for the Master as if he were physically present. This seva, or service can raise the conciousness to a high level which it did in my case. The upshot of this was an unexpected "telepathic" flash of the photographic image of Maharaji which shot by me. I rang Mrs."Chip" Wood who was the extremely knowledgeable, and experienced British representative of the Radh Soami Satsang Beas, and appeared to confirm the genuineness of what happened to me. She described it as dhristi, or a "glance" of Grace from the Master.
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..............In 1990 Gurinder Singh was made head of Radha Soami Satsang. I first saw him in the flesh at the huge Satsangs in Birmingham when he was visiting England. This took place in the National Exhibtion Centre, or NEC. Security was high there too with police, and plain clothed detectives keeping an eye on things as the Sikh terrorism was still very much a problem.Gurinder, or more respectfully Babaji gave a number of discourses plus questions, and answers with his booming voice. In the latter sessions l asked him when he was going to start initiation, and whether he would initiate me. Instead of hearing what he actually said I heard something else (ie a bizarre trick of the mind.) He said that he would initiate me but ofcourse he did not actually say that....... The reason for all this was that I was going through a strange phase in life that I had become so obssessed with wanting to get initiation that it was starting to drive me "insane". I was also unnaturally concerned about the possibility of an early death (as mentioned earlier). This would ofcourse mean that I would not get initiated!!
Quite often at Satsang in London, or at the charming local home groups someone I knew , or not know would say that "I was going to die!" The imitation voice was just like that of the speaker...virtually indistinguishable. I should point out that I have never taken drugs, or psychiatric medecine. I believe what happened above was a "by-product" of a certain experience with Eckankar possibly during a "healing" session (see Realization of the Psychic). Ofcourse, esoterically the meaning of "you are going to die" implies not physical death but spiritual rebirth in the material body. Apparently, in withcraft the mental phenomenon of voice imitating someone else, and tricking someone into believing what he, or she is saying is for "real(!)" is not entirely unknown!
Anyway, in 1993 I, along with a batch of people went to recieve Nam under the new Master Babaji ( though physically not present) at Haynes Park near Bedford. This was the UK headquarters of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Mrs. "Chip" Wood presided over the initiation, and later everyone was put into circular groups, and taught how to repeat, and pronounce the Five Holy Names.On another occassion, I actually saw Babaji at Haynes Park itself. Some people including myself possibly saw his face changing to that of his previous Master Baba Charan Singh.
I recall once being in the London Satsang, and Babaji suddenly appeared out of the blue, and gave a discourse. This has happened since apparently. He likes now, and again to give unofficial appearances presumably to inspire truth seekers, and satsangis.I felt very devotional during my "honey moon" period before initiation. But I was disappointed after initiation as the power, and aspiration suddenly "disappeared." I felt betrayed, and disheartened. I have come to the conclusion that a real Master must be able to give an initiate before, and AFTER initiation (be it shabd yoga, or whatever) "something to work on". In other words, an awareness at least of some kind of Power working for ones good. It is then that the inititiate increases its Grace via spiritual practice. Without some kind of inner support meditation can be incredibly difficult. It is vital to have some internal "drive", and "inspiration" to continue practice as we are such weak souls.............Many people have complained about this. Some Beas Satsangis have understandably gone to one of the Sant Kirpal Singh groups which claim that one can have "something to work on" in the spiritual sense. This is VITAL!!
As I was starting to move away from Radha Soami Satsang a bizarre number of synchronicities occured with chance meetings with "devotees". The first of these though was in Newbury which I had never been to before. A lady called Iris I recognized from the London Satsang was spotted, and I went upto her, and she comfirmed that she was the very same person. She was suprised to see me. As indicated there were other similiar "chance" meetings which are hard to explain rationally. Yet, it does indicate that somehow we are all interconnected in this Cosmic Drama of Life.....
The most recent one occured in Windsor in 2007. I was sitting next to an elderly Asian tourist who was looking at his young granddaughter . Some of his relatives were around visiting Windsor, and its famous castle. For some reason or other we talked, and the topic of reincarnation, and gurus cropped up. I said I had an interest in both subjects especially the latter. He asked me whether I had a Master. I said I had been initiated into Radha Soami Satsang Beas. He was astonished as he claimed that he was initiate too! He said that I was very lucky to have been initiated by Gurinder Singh as not everyone is!!Apparently, he claimed to be a retired chief of border control in (his name may have been Dhawan but I do not have the exact details with me at the time of writing) India, and knew Mr. Mann who was the "top man" in the organization of Radha Soami Satsang!! Anyway, he gave me his name, and number including that of the latter, and said if I ever I wanted to stay at his home I would be welcome to do so! Will wonders ever cease? Who knows? But synchronicity has played an important part in my life, and not just those instances connected with Radha Soami Satsang Beas.
Another PS!
Just one other "event" in 2005 could be mentioned here. I recall once sitting on a bench in Langley near Slough. An Asian suddenly appeared from behind me, and said, "Your Master is sitting next to you!" I replied I could see no one in the non-physical sense. I did though just about recognize the Asian from a very long time ago. He was an initiate of the Radha Soami Satsang.